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From The Rector
Does God Answer?
Its complicated.
This is the third week we have been party to Job’s and God’s lengthy drama. First near the beginning, then near the middle and now near the end. We have witnessed the wager over Job’s faithfulness. We have been engrossed by Job’s clinging to his painful integrity. And now, from the power of the whirlwind, God responds to Job. They are fully engaged, and we are challenged.
Yes, it is complicated. Another way of saying that is that God does not answer as I expect or I would wish. When I read a novel, I like most of the threads tied up at the end. Even surprising conclusions can be satisfying. God concludes this drama, answering Job with 4 chapters of questions. It does not fit my expectations. I am looking for the evidence that God finds Job’s encountering him wrong-minded, or that God will give an apology. God’s response is neither.
Instead we are reminded of a God who created the world and is closely engaged in it, but does not control human events. As Karla Suomala concludes in her commentary: “In a universe created by God and in which humans live, the challenge is how to hold these two aspects together — 1) the world is orderly and 2) tragedy doesn’t always have a reason.”
Although unsatisfying, this has important lessons for our lives today.
The back and forth between Job and God is remarkably open-ended, like a real relationship. As Suomala indicates, this God is connected and engaged with humanity. He values and respects Job enough to personally engage him.
The other lesson is that we should be hesitant in “blaming the victim.” Despite our desire to understand a logical cause and effect to the experience of life, Job testifies that it is not always so. If we can accept our lack of control over many life experiences, we might nurture our compassion for our sisters and brothers who are struggling – and be more engaged and connected.
Even in the midst of tragedy which is not understood, the awareness that I have people by my side, and that I am free to engage God, can make a difference in faithful living.
Join us in worship as we celebrate complicated relationships – both human and divine.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Job 38:1-7 (34-41) (NRSV)
The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?”
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Welcoming Session on Membership
Welcoming Session – Many worshipers wonder how to become a member of St. Paul’s. If you’re one of them, join Fr. Andrew in the Parish Library on Sunday, October 25th at 9:15 am. In this single-session class, you will hear interesting facts about St. Paul’s, plus, learn all you need to know about becoming a member of the Parish. (Note: This is not the same as the Inquirers’ Class.) If you are already a member, this class is not for you.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Chapel
October
10/18 MINISTRY FAIR – No Session.
10/25 Speaking to the Soul: Gifts.
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Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Meets in the Library
“DeMystifying the Book of Revelation”.
October
10/20 Habits of a Crazy Christian. Led by Jerry DiNoto.
10/27 Giving Yourself Permission to Embrace Crazy Hope.
Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch.
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Baked Goods Donations for
“ROY’S DESERT RESOURCE CENTER”
St. Paul’s ongoing outreach to the homeless at Roy’s Desert Resource Center needs donations of cookies, cakes and other baked treats for our Monday night dessert service at the North Palm Springs facility. Homemade items are especially popular and appreciated. You can bring donations with you to church and leave them with an usher before the service. For more information, contact Chris Kelly – (760) 406-2978. Thanks for your help.
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At the Church of
St. Paul in the Desert
. . . we welcome all worshipers to a place free of violence, bullying, and abuse. Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.
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A WELCOMING, EMPOWERING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Our mission statement calls us to be “a welcoming, empowering and supportive community.” We are currently forming a new ministry at St Paul’s to support that mission. Volunteers are needed from all three services to donate approximately 90 minutes of their time per month. That time is split into 3-30 minute segments: 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the service you attend, once per month, to support the Welcoming Table located in the Narthex and another 30 minutes a month assisting with name badge organization. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact Mike Funke at 760.-409.0986 or mike.funke@yahoo.com!
Help us live our mission statement!
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Bullying Behavior Not Welcome Here
At St. Paul in the Desert we welcome all worshipers to a place that is free of violence and bullying.
Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable.
“It Gets Better” is a series of video messages to encourage Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender youth and let them know that they are loved as they are.
“A Blessing for Those Who Are Bullied” was written by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
It is not enough to say “NO” to bullies. It is important to stand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the targets.
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Announcements
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CHURCH
OFFICE HOURS
The church office is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
Should you call on Monday when we are closed to the public, please leave a message. In case of an emergency, a priest will return your call.
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THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
. . . will be offered on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2015.
Please contact Fr. Andrew at 760.320.7488, ext. 223 this week to make preparations.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES
Our Sunday School sessions have resumed for the school year! We look forward to having the children attend the 10:30 Sunday School Program. We are still looking for volunteers to be a storyteller or a doorkeeper. If you are interested, please contact Ted Barajas at 760-902-1014 or email at tedbarajas1@yahoo.com.
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ST. PAUL’S PARISH OPEN HOUSE AND MINISTRY FAIR
Join us for the Ministries Fair and Open House Sunday, where refreshments will be offered at food stations located throughout the campus. Coffee Hour in the parish hall returns next Sunday after each service.
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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
Holy Communion at Windsor Court, 201 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, is hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of the month, next, on November 18th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR
Coffee Hour in the parish hall returns next Sunday after each service.
There are several Sunday hospitality opportunities available through the end of the year. Please consider hosting a Coffee Hour after the 8:00 or 10:30 services with family or friends. Sign-up binders are on the large table on the right as you enter the Parish Hall.
If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on Wednesday’s from 10am -1pm in Hogarth Hall. Whether you wish to learn to knit or crochet or are an expert needleworker, we welcome you. Needles, hooks and yarn are provided. Please drop in to create and enjoy our prayerfully made creations.
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Episcopalians Against
Gun Violence
. . . is an ad-hoc group of bishops, clergy and lay people disseminating information about Episcopalians who are working, collectively and individually, to curb gun violence. For further information, click here.
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REPORT MISCONDUCT
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact John Seitman, at jseitman@pacbell.net or 858-793-4426.
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